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This video shows the shocking truth about what children feel about their parents using gadgets - and it'll cause many parents to stop and think about their actions.

The children were speaking to researchers about who uses digital gadgets the most in their family home, and how it makes them feel.

Two little girls say that their dad doesn't listen to them when he's on his phone and they have to repeat themselves, while one girl says: "My mum spends all day on her computer and I feel sad because I won't get to play with her on a board game or something."

A little boy adds that they're not giving him enough attention when they're on their phones.

Although anyone with a smartphone or tablet will think nothing of grabbing a few seconds here and there for a browse, this video comes with chilling new figures which show a third of children are upset that their parents spend too long on gadgets - and not enough time chatting to them.

The figures come after Facebook revealed last week that the average user is on the site for 46 minutes a day.

Although parents often complain that children are spending too much time staring at screens, this new research reveals that a third - 34% - of children believe it’s actually their parents who spend too long on gadgets.

And for some of these children, research has found, it makes them feel sad.

When asked about the summer holidays, contrary to the common view, almost half, 44% were looking forward to spending more time with their family and playing outdoors, compared to only 5% who wanted to spend more time online - although more than a fifth, 21%, are using a gadget for entertainment for four or more hours a day.

Digital savvy: But children are worrying about the time their parents spent on gadgets (Photo: Start-Rite Shoes)

Stark admissions from the seven to eight age group reveal nearly half, 46%, think they spend more time online or watching TV than chatting with their family and 15% of these younger children feel sad about the amount of time their parents spend looking at their phone or tablet.

The research also showed how much parents are now relying on screens for entertainment.

It found that 93% of children surveyed own some kind of digital device and almost half, 45%, of parents don’t set any rules on how long they can use it.

On long car journeys, they are most likely to listen to music (36%), play games or apps on a handheld (39%) or watch films (37%), than talk or chat to their family (24%).

This reliance leads to 28% of children craving a new phone or tablet for their next birthday present, above visiting another country (18%), a TV in their bedroom (10%), or tickets to see their favourite sports team (11%).

Two thirds, (66%) admit they would feel sad or lost if their device was taken away for a week. When asked what would be hardest to give up for a week during the summer holidays, a significant minority of 6% said playing with toys.

Family time: When families are together, they're not necessarily spending time together, the survey found (Photo: Start-Rite Shoes)

However, this emerging bond looks likely to play out well for the economy in future, with three quarters, 75%, of boys aged 7-11 liking the idea of working with new technology when they grow up, verses 53% of girls.

And the feature that the majority value from a job above working with animals, helping people and being famous? Earning lots of money (39%). The least appealing feature? A job that is similar to what my parents do (18%).

Start-rite Shoes undertook the survey in the school setting with no parental input, which has given children aged seven to 11 the chance to have their say.

Popular parenting blogger, Leta Elliott from commented: "To be honest, I was shocked by the survey's findings: who would want their child to spend more time in front of a screen than talking to their family?

"Whilst there’s no denying that technology is only going to become more influential in all of our futures, I still believe that real life is far more important, especially in childhood."

Sad times: Children have admitted that they would not like to have their gadget taken off them for a week (Photo: Start-Rite Shoes)

Leading Biomechanics Coach and Chartered Physiotherapist, Martin Haines who advises Start-rite Shoes explains why it’s important to keep our children active: "That so many children choose to spend over 2 hours per day on a digital device doesn’t surprise me, but it does concern me.

"A sedentary lifestyle can seriously harm a child’s development as their gait continues to develop until the age of 15. Movement is essential for the body’s physical development so it is important that we encourage our children to lead active lives if they are to develop and grow healthily."